Explore

/ɪkˈsplɔːr/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To travel or investigate a place or subject in order to learn more about it.

/ɪkˈsplɔːr/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To travel in or through (a place) for the purpose of discovery; investigate.

We're going to explore the old castle today.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're a detective! Exploring means you're checking something out to see what it's all about. Like when you go to a new playground to see all the cool things there!

👶 For kids: To go somewhere new to see what's there.

More Examples

2

The team will explore the possibilities of renewable energy.

3

He decided to explore the local market for fresh produce.

How It's Used

Science

"Scientists explore the Amazon rainforest to discover new species."

Geography

"Explorers charted the vast oceans of the world."

2

To carefully consider and discuss a topic, idea, or possibility.

/ɪkˈsplɔːr/

verbneutralmedium
Action

To examine or discuss (a subject or idea) in detail.

The committee will explore the issue further in the next meeting.

💡 Simply: Exploring isn't just about going to a new place – it's also about looking closely at a topic or idea, like really thinking about all the sides of an argument or the parts of a cool invention.

👶 For kids: To think about a topic in a careful way.

More Examples

2

Let's explore the benefits of using this new software.

3

They decided to explore the possibility of expanding their business.

How It's Used

Business

"The company will explore new market opportunities."

Education

"The students will explore different historical perspectives."

Tip:Think of exploring an idea like searching through a treasure chest of information.

Idioms & expressions

explore all avenues

To try every possible option or opportunity.

"Before making a decision, we need to explore all avenues to ensure we've considered all possibilities."

explore the depths

To investigate or understand something thoroughly, often abstract or complex.

"The researchers explored the depths of the human psyche."

From French explorer, from Latin explorare ('to search out, investigate'), from ex- ('out') + plorare ('to cry out, bewail').

The word 'explore' has been used since the 17th century, initially referring to geographical exploration, and later extending to the examination of abstract ideas.

Memory tip

Think of an explorer venturing into the unknown, discovering new lands or information.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"To search out, investigate"

explore newexplore the possibilityexplore ideasexplore an areaexplore the world

Common misspellings

explorexlorexplore

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written